Construction of the $7.2 billion highway extension to Point Fortin has again stopped after disgruntled workers walked off the job yesterday, over a decision by Brazilian firm OAS Constructora not to increase wages. The shutdown occurred after the Oilfields Workers’ Trade Union (OWTU) met with OAS representatives — Leonardo Luna, Nadera Eccles, Gibran Ferreira and IR consultant Newton George — at 5 pm on Monday.
During the meeting, OAS presented a survey of compensation packages offered within the construction sector, conducted by the Employers’ Consultative Association (ECA). However, addressing hundreds of OAS workers at the construction site in Golconda yesterday, OWTU’s labour relations officer Aaron Moyne said the survey was flawed.
“We were not afforded any opportunity to peruse the said document. The reliability and validity of the data is in serious question, given that we are unaware of the time period the survey examined,” Moyne said. He also pointed out that the companies surveyed were all local and never undertook a project of that magnitude.
“The survey said that OAS salaries are adequate and superior to some of the companies assessed. However, these companies which were surveyed are paying their workers sub-standard wages so we will not be surprised if those workers also protest,” Moyne said. He added the rates of a foreign contractor on a major local construction project were not factored into the report.
“The bonuses and fringe benefits, including cost of living allowance (COLA) added to the basic rates of workers at some of these companies, were never mentioned,” Moyne said. He pointed out that a labourer employed at the Ministry of Labour worked for more than a labourer at OAS. He told workers OAS was willing to offer a safety and attendance bonus of $3,000 annually once there were no loss-time injuries, no fatalities, no disciplinary action lodged against the worker and no unjustified absence.
“They are also committed to do the performance appraisal system which says we will get increases based on performance,” he said.
Ministers respond
Contacted via text message yesterday, Suruj Rambachan, Minister of Works and Infrastructure, said he was concerned about the highway shutdown. He said he was in Uganda attending a Commonwealth local government forum. “I am concerned that the issues which existed two weeks ago have not been resolved. I will be in contact with Ganga Singh to get an update from Nidco. If required, we will also seek the assistance of Minister McLeod,” Rambachan said.
When told of the protest at 1 pm yesterday, McLeod said: “I don’t know that any group of workers can shut down an operation and then demand to have a meeting with me. “I don’t like to engage in this kind of journalism. I would need to see what comes from them (OWTU) before I make any kind of comment.” He denied speaking to any member of the OWTU. However, Moyne said he spoke directly with McLeod at 10.15 am yesterday.
